Canon DC50 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Jan 22, 2007 6:00 AM

 
Intro Performance
Format Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features Comparisons / Conclusion
Specs/Ratings
Related Articles
Reviews: Canon DC40 Camcorder Review


Audio
Audio options on the Canon DC50 are rather limited. Sound is recorded through a stereo microphone located below the lens on the front of the camcorder. There is no mic input, no headphone jack, and no accessory shoe, hot or cold, to attach a mic. You’re stuck with what’s on board, which is generally terrible.


The battery slot, while still enclosed, looks to have room for expansion, unlike the DC40.
 
Playback
Playback mode is engaged by pushing down on the power switch on the back of the body. Nothing has really changed since last year. The clips are divided into thumbnails, and you use the joystick to toggle between them. The VCR buttons have relocated to a smarter place this year. Rather than cluttering up the left side of the body, as they did on the DC40, the DC50 now positions them in a row under the screen on the LCD panel. This makes more sense, as you can now seen the screen and the playback buttons at the same time, rather than placing them at a 45 degree angle.
 
Connectivity
While the manual controls on the DC50 are great, the array of ports is not. You’re limited to a USB jack located in the LCD cavity, right next to the MiniSD card slot and AV-out. The DC-in is on the right side towards the front. There is no mic jack, no headphone jack, no analog input, and no accessory shoe. The camcorder was clearly designed to be a self-contained unit that does what it claims – record good video – and nothing more.
The USB port, located in the LCD cavity (left) and the AV-out and MiniSD card slot (right)
 






<< Handling and Use | Other Features >>